Public Relations Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Also called: Communications Director · Communications Manager · Community Relations Director · Development Director · Public Affairs Director · Public Relations Director (PR Director)
Median pay (national)
$138,520
$78,880–$239,200+ (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
76,060
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+5%
~6,600 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for public relations managers shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $239,200+ versus $78,880 at the bottom 10% — 3.0x. The median of $138,520 leaves roughly 73% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +5% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 6,600 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 50 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $185,810, +34% vs the national median), while West Virginia sits lowest at $85,290 — a 118% spread for the same job title.
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What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Assign, supervise, and review the activities of public relations staff.
- Confer with labor relations managers to develop internal communications that keep employees informed of company activities.
- Design and edit promotional publications, such as brochures.
- Develop and maintain the company's corporate image and identity, which includes the use of logos and signage.
- Develop, implement, or maintain crisis communication plans.
- Direct activities of external agencies, establishments, or departments that develop and implement communication strategies and information programs.
- Draft speeches for company executives and arrange interviews and other forms of contact for them.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, government officials, and media representatives and use these relationships to develop new business opportunities.
- Evaluate advertising and promotion programs for compatibility with public relations efforts.
- Facilitate consumer relations or the relationship between parts of the company, such as the managers and employees, or different branch offices.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Salesforce software
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Canva
- Google Analytics
- Google Workspace software
- HubSpot software
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Marketo Marketing Automation